Dangote Set To Boost Local Tomato Production In Nigeria

The Group President/CE, Dangote Group,
Aliko Dangote, on Thursday, July 5, 2018, signed an agreement with Katsina
State Governor for reviving and upgrading the moribund Songhai project in
Dutsinma town, under a 10-year lease agreement.

The initiative which will see an
initial investment of half a billion Naira by Dangote Group will ensure the
installation of the state-of-the-art tomato research and development (R&D)
facility equipped with drip irrigation and fertigation systems and ultimately,
the cultivation of 10,000 hectares of farmland and establishment of tomato
processing plant within the Zobe dam region.

Speaking at the signing and handing
over ceremony of the Songhai project, renowned Africa Industrialist, Alhaji
Aliko Dangote expressed his commitment towards supporting Katsina State
Government in reviving the Songhai project, putting its arable land to good use
while creating employment for farmers in the region.

He said “Today is one of my happiest
days to have finally concluded and signed this agreement so we can take action.
I assure you, we will not only cultivate and process tomatoes, we will also
help Katsina effectively utilize its vast arable land.

“With your support in providing an
enabling environment, we will move to the site quickly to begin cultivation and
more importantly integrate farmers in our out-grower scheme to make this
project a reality. Apart from tomatoes, we will farm other crops and do our
best to make this project succeed.”

Reacting to the development, Katsina
State Governor, Aminu Masari who described Katsina State as investor-friendly
lauded the initiative as a significant milestone and a great turning point in
the economic transformation of Katsina State and its people. He further
described the project as one that will not only serve Katsina State but West
Africa region and beyond.

The Governor promised to provide
Dangote with the necessary support to ensure the success of the project which
he said will further open up local economy in the state.

According to Project lead, Robert
Coleman, Dangote will leverage technology and skilled manpower, to farm tomato
in and out of season. The research and development (R & D) facility will
provide a training hub for farmers, agronomist, and students within the region,
generating both skilled and unskilled employment opportunities for up to 1,000
people.